Let Your Health Be Your Guide

Vacations are supposed to be about escaping and relaxing, so why not book a trip that will satisfy your travel itch while also feeding your body and soul? Spa retreats and resorts with yoga classes, organic menus and detox treatments will let you return home rested, rejuvenated and ready to take on the world.

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No. 20: Richmond, Virginia

Virginia’s capital rounds out the list thanks, in part, to all its dog parks. If you’re visiting with your pooch, check out Ruff House Dog Park at Rockwood Park, an off-leash dog park that’s a favorite among locals. You’ll also routinely see Richmond residents get in their exercise alongside their furry friends on historic Monument Avenue.9601280

Virginia’s capital rounds out the list thanks, in part, to all its dog parks. If you’re visiting with your pooch, check out Ruff House Dog Park at Rockwood Park, an off-leash dog park that’s a favorite among locals. You’ll also routinely see Richmond residents get in their exercise alongside their furry friends on historic Monument Avenue.

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No. 19: Cleveland

No. 19: Cleveland

Cleveland makes the list for its ample recreation facilities and park-related spending. The city is home to the new $11 million Collinwood Recreation Center, which is free for all to use, even nonresidents of the city. Another big attraction is the West Side Market (pictured), the oldest operating indoor/outdoor market space in the city. 9601280

Cleveland makes the list for its ample recreation facilities and park-related spending. The city is home to the new $11 million Collinwood Recreation Center, which is free for all to use, even nonresidents of the city. Another big attraction is the West Side Market (pictured), the oldest operating indoor/outdoor market space in the city.

stu_spivack, flickr

No. 18: Virginia Beach, VA

No. 18: Virginia Beach, VA

Virginia Beach consistently ranks among America’s fittest cities. The oceanfront city boasts many light and non-lighted tennis courts across town, and the area is home to 265 parks, totaling more than 4,000 acres of land.9601280

Virginia Beach consistently ranks among America’s fittest cities. The oceanfront city boasts many light and non-lighted tennis courts across town, and the area is home to 265 parks, totaling more than 4,000 acres of land.

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No. 17: Baltimore

No. 17: Baltimore

Baltimore ranks well for its high number of park playgrounds, recreation centers and swimming pools. Another draw is Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, which sees 13 million visitors a year. Among its attractions is Baltimore Beach, a stretch of sand that’s home to 7 volleyball courts.9601280

Baltimore ranks well for its high number of park playgrounds, recreation centers and swimming pools. Another draw is Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, which sees 13 million visitors a year. Among its attractions is Baltimore Beach, a stretch of sand that’s home to 7 volleyball courts.

Mr. T in DC, flickr

No. 16: Pittsburgh

No. 16: Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh didn’t rank too well in terms of “healthy eating.” However, the city has many opportunities for visitors and residents to stay active outside. Renting a bike is easy at Golden Triangle Bike Rental, with their main location on the Eliza Furnace Trail. Hourly and daily rentals are available for the entire family. All rentals include a helmet, bike lock and self-guided trail map.9601280

Pittsburgh didn’t rank too well in terms of “healthy eating.” However, the city has many opportunities for visitors and residents to stay active outside. Renting a bike is easy at Golden Triangle Bike Rental, with their main location on the Eliza Furnace Trail. Hourly and daily rentals are available for the entire family. All rentals include a helmet, bike lock and self-guided trail map.

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No. 15: Raleigh, North Carolina

No. 15: Raleigh, North Carolina

Raleigh gets high marks for setting aside a high percentage of city land as parkland; 17% of municipal land is devoted to parks compared with the national average of 10.6%. Cycling, boating, camping and hiking are all easy day excursions, with Umstead State Park and the American Tobacco Trail nearby. Plus, get in outdoor art at the North Carolina Museum of Art, where you’ll find this monumental sculpture.9601280

Raleigh gets high marks for setting aside a high percentage of city land as parkland; 17% of municipal land is devoted to parks compared with the national average of 10.6%. Cycling, boating, camping and hiking are all easy day excursions, with Umstead State Park and the American Tobacco Trail nearby. Plus, get in outdoor art at the North Carolina Museum of Art, where you’ll find this monumental sculpture.

Christopher Ciccone, photographer

No. 14: San Diego

No. 14: San Diego

Along with its great weather, “America’s Finest City” is known for its physically fit residents, who go surfing in San Diego at places like South Carlsbad State Beach. For quiet time, locals and visitors alike can enjoy the meditation gardens on the grounds of San Diego’s Self-Realization Fellowship Temple, founded by an Indian spiritual leader in the 1930s. 9601280

Along with its great weather, “America’s Finest City” is known for its physically fit residents, who go surfing in San Diego at places like South Carlsbad State Beach. For quiet time, locals and visitors alike can enjoy the meditation gardens on the grounds of San Diego’s Self-Realization Fellowship Temple, founded by an Indian spiritual leader in the 1930s.

Lisa Singh

No. 13: Cincinnati

No. 13: Cincinnati

Locals in Cincinnati find plenty of outdoor inspiration in this stretch of southwest Ohio, from hopping aboard a riverboat cruise to kicking back in the city’s new 45-acre Riverfront Park. On the food front, Findlay Market delivers as Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market.9601280

Locals in Cincinnati find plenty of outdoor inspiration in this stretch of southwest Ohio, from hopping aboard a riverboat cruise to kicking back in the city’s new 45-acre Riverfront Park. On the food front, Findlay Market delivers as Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market.

Wholtone, Wikimedia Commons

No. 12: Salt Lake City

No. 12: Salt Lake City

It's no surprise to us that Salt Lake City made this list. Utah’s capital city is a short drive from renowned ski resorts like Alta, as well as scenic recreation areas like Wasatch-Cache National Forest.9601280

It's no surprise to us that Salt Lake City made this list. Utah’s capital city is a short drive from renowned ski resorts like Alta, as well as scenic recreation areas like Wasatch-Cache National Forest.

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No. 11: Austin, Texas

No. 11: Austin, Texas

<a title="Austin, TX" href="http://www.travelchannel.com/destinations/austin/articles/austin-city-guide" target="_blank">Austin, TX</a>, has <a title="superb food" href="http://www.travelchannel.com/destinations/austin/articles/austins-best-food-carts" target="_blank">superb food</a>. The Texas capital can also get very hot, which may explain why it has so many public swimming areas, at an affordable fee, too. The average price for a day pass to one of the city’s public pools is only $3 for adults and $1 for children. Barton Springs Pool is one place to cool down; find the recreational pool in Austin’s Zilker Park. 9601280

<a title="Austin, TX" href="http://www.travelchannel.com/destinations/austin/articles/austin-city-guide" target="_blank">Austin, TX</a>, has <a title="superb food" href="http://www.travelchannel.com/destinations/austin/articles/austins-best-food-carts" target="_blank">superb food</a>. The Texas capital can also get very hot, which may explain why it has so many public swimming areas, at an affordable fee, too. The average price for a day pass to one of the city’s public pools is only $3 for adults and $1 for children. Barton Springs Pool is one place to cool down; find the recreational pool in Austin’s Zilker Park.

Stephen Saks / Lonely Planet Images / Getty Images

No. 10: San Jose, California

No. 10: San Jose, California

Often called the “Capital of Silicon Valley,” San Jose, as California’s third-largest city, also has some great outdoor attractions. Alum Rock Park, nestled in the eastern foothills of Silicon Valley, is a great place for picnics, hiking, biking and exploring. The park also boasts great scenic trails, and 1800s-era natural spring baths. 9601280

Often called the “Capital of Silicon Valley,” San Jose, as California’s third-largest city, also has some great outdoor attractions. Alum Rock Park, nestled in the eastern foothills of Silicon Valley, is a great place for picnics, hiking, biking and exploring. The park also boasts great scenic trails, and 1800s-era natural spring baths.

Don DeBold, flickr

No. 9: Hartford, Connecticut

No. 9: Hartford, Connecticut

The capital city has more than 50 public parks and squares that cover more than 27,000 acres. More than a million people annually picnic, jog, attend rallies and socialize at Hartford's restored Bushnell Park (pictured). As the oldest publicly funded park in the US, Hartford’s historic “Central Park” has added new landscaping, benches and a play area in recent years. 9601280

The capital city has more than 50 public parks and squares that cover more than 27,000 acres. More than a million people annually picnic, jog, attend rallies and socialize at Hartford's restored Bushnell Park (pictured). As the oldest publicly funded park in the US, Hartford’s historic “Central Park” has added new landscaping, benches and a play area in recent years.

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No. 8: Seattle

No. 8: Seattle

Beach volleyball, anyone? In Seattle locals head to Alki Beach Park, a nearly 136-acre park with a half-mile of beachfront. Another favorite for the physically fit is Discovery Park, a 534-acre park on the shores of Puget Sound that includes more than 11 miles of walking and biking trails. The park, the largest in Seattle, is also a great place to view wildlife.9601280

Beach volleyball, anyone? In Seattle locals head to Alki Beach Park, a nearly 136-acre park with a half-mile of beachfront. Another favorite for the physically fit is Discovery Park, a 534-acre park on the shores of Puget Sound that includes more than 11 miles of walking and biking trails. The park, the largest in Seattle, is also a great place to view wildlife.

Chas Redmond, Flickr

No. 7: Sacramento, California

No. 7: Sacramento, California

In the Sacramento area, go kayaking on Lake Natoma, within the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. Another big attraction is the city’s park system; in 2013, Sacramento tied with San Francisco and Boston for having the third-best park system among the 50 most populous US cities. 9601280

In the Sacramento area, go kayaking on Lake Natoma, within the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. Another big attraction is the city’s park system; in 2013, Sacramento tied with San Francisco and Boston for having the third-best park system among the 50 most populous US cities.

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No. 6: Boston

No. 6: Boston

Beantown is a walker’s city. Lace up for a walk along Boston Harbor. Plus, enjoy a 2.5-mile walk along the Freedom Trail, which leads to 16 historic sites in downtown <a title="Boston" href="http://www.travelchannel.com/destinations/boston/articles/travel-channels-guide-to-boston" target="_blank">Boston</a>. The city is also the birthplace of <a title="November Project" href="http://november-project.com" target="_blank">November Project</a>, a free fitness movement that started in 2011 (and has since spread to other major cities), with a membership of professional athletes and fitness rookies. 9601280

Beantown is a walker’s city. Lace up for a walk along Boston Harbor. Plus, enjoy a 2.5-mile walk along the Freedom Trail, which leads to 16 historic sites in downtown <a title="Boston" href="http://www.travelchannel.com/destinations/boston/articles/travel-channels-guide-to-boston" target="_blank">Boston</a>. The city is also the birthplace of <a title="November Project" href="http://november-project.com" target="_blank">November Project</a>, a free fitness movement that started in 2011 (and has since spread to other major cities), with a membership of professional athletes and fitness rookies.

Boston Harbor Association

No. 5: Denver

No. 5: Denver

Outdoors lovers especially love the Mile High City. The big outdoor attraction is the Front Range Trail. Just 30 minutes outside the city, the 876-mile trail stretches from Wyoming into New Mexico, with trails ideal for hiking, running, rock climbing and mountain biking. And just 20 miles west of Denver, check out Genesee Park; you may spot American bison.9601280

Outdoors lovers especially love the Mile High City. The big outdoor attraction is the Front Range Trail. Just 30 minutes outside the city, the 876-mile trail stretches from Wyoming into New Mexico, with trails ideal for hiking, running, rock climbing and mountain biking. And just 20 miles west of Denver, check out Genesee Park; you may spot American bison.

Silveira Neto, Flickr

No. 4: San Francisco

No. 4: San Francisco

The San Francisco Bay Area is known for its fresh, healthy food, with a focus on seasonal ingredients and sustainable agriculture. Dig into organic delights at local restaurants like The Plant, where organic salads and meats grace the menu. And whip up your own menu with items from the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, which sells more than 1,500 varieties of local produce.9601280

The San Francisco Bay Area is known for its fresh, healthy food, with a focus on seasonal ingredients and sustainable agriculture. Dig into organic delights at local restaurants like The Plant, where organic salads and meats grace the menu. And whip up your own menu with items from the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, which sells more than 1,500 varieties of local produce.

Liza, Flickr

No. 3: Portland, Oregon

No. 3: Portland, Oregon

With more than 10,000 acres of public parks, including 300 miles of greenways and bike boulevards, Portland is a great city for anyone seeking outdoor urban adventure. Enjoy a bike ride along the Willamette River, or start exploring the great outdoors on foot with a trip into Forest Park, one of the largest protected wilderness areas inside any US city.9601280

With more than 10,000 acres of public parks, including 300 miles of greenways and bike boulevards, Portland is a great city for anyone seeking outdoor urban adventure. Enjoy a bike ride along the Willamette River, or start exploring the great outdoors on foot with a trip into Forest Park, one of the largest protected wilderness areas inside any US city.

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No. 2: Washington, DC

No. 2: Washington, DC

Washington, DC, promotes a healthy lifestyle through its Capital Bikeshare program, with 2,500 bicycles located throughout the city. Another big draw is Eastern Market, a city fixture for more than 135 years, selling local farm-fresh produce. And if you want to get in cardio, a jog around the National Mall is a great option; you’ll cover 5 miles.9601280

Washington, DC, promotes a healthy lifestyle through its Capital Bikeshare program, with 2,500 bicycles located throughout the city. Another big draw is Eastern Market, a city fixture for more than 135 years, selling local farm-fresh produce. And if you want to get in cardio, a jog around the National Mall is a great option; you’ll cover 5 miles.

John Serrao, Flickr

No. 1: Minneapolis-St. Paul

No. 1: Minneapolis-St. Paul

For the third year in a row, the Minneapolis-St. Paul area ranks as the No. 1 healthiest city. Minneapolis was one of the first cities nationwide to add bike trails; it also sets aside a high percentage of the city as parkland. Another healthy draw is the Minneapolis Farmers Market. Established in 1937, the market supports some 230 local vendors. 9601280

For the third year in a row, the Minneapolis-St. Paul area ranks as the No. 1 healthiest city. Minneapolis was one of the first cities nationwide to add bike trails; it also sets aside a high percentage of the city as parkland. Another healthy draw is the Minneapolis Farmers Market. Established in 1937, the market supports some 230 local vendors.

Banjar Hot Springs

Less than a mile from the village of Banjar in northern Bali, this hot spring is a relaxing 98.6 degrees. The hot spring water pours from the mouths of 8 stone-carved naga (mythical, dragon-like creatures) into a rectangular-shaped pool. 9601280

Less than a mile from the village of Banjar in northern Bali, this hot spring is a relaxing 98.6 degrees. The hot spring water pours from the mouths of 8 stone-carved naga (mythical, dragon-like creatures) into a rectangular-shaped pool.

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Calistoga Spa Hot Springs

Calistoga Spa Hot Springs

Head to Napa Valley for a dip in this mineral pool, one of 4 geothermally heated pools on the grounds of Calistoga Spa Hot Springs hotel in Calistoga, CA. Recline in waters ranging from 80 to 104 degrees, while enjoying the surrounding beauty of nearby Mt. St. Helena. 9601280

Head to Napa Valley for a dip in this mineral pool, one of 4 geothermally heated pools on the grounds of Calistoga Spa Hot Springs hotel in Calistoga, CA. Recline in waters ranging from 80 to 104 degrees, while enjoying the surrounding beauty of nearby Mt. St. Helena.

Mark Zukowski

Dunton Hot Springs

Dunton Hot Springs

A century ago, miners in southwestern Colorado soothed aching bones in these natural hot tubs. Today, the tradition continues: Choose from among 5 different pools, the hottest of which reaches 106 degrees. The wine-red waters are rich in iron and magnesium, with a dash of lithium. 9601280

A century ago, miners in southwestern Colorado soothed aching bones in these natural hot tubs. Today, the tradition continues: Choose from among 5 different pools, the hottest of which reaches 106 degrees. The wine-red waters are rich in iron and magnesium, with a dash of lithium.

Dunton Hot Springs

Cascate del Mulino

Cascate del Mulino

Take a dip in the most famous natural springs in southern Tuscany. Consisting of several natural pools of warm thermal water, the Cascate del Mulino are open to the public -- and free -- throughout the year. At a warm 99.5 degrees year-round, the waters contain properties that have been known to help skin, digestive and circulatory ailments since Roman times. 9601280

Take a dip in the most famous natural springs in southern Tuscany. Consisting of several natural pools of warm thermal water, the Cascate del Mulino are open to the public -- and free -- throughout the year. At a warm 99.5 degrees year-round, the waters contain properties that have been known to help skin, digestive and circulatory ailments since Roman times.

davideoneclick, flickr

Banff Upper Hot Springs

Banff Upper Hot Springs

With the spectacular Canadian Rockies just beyond, settle into the soothing waters of Banff Upper Hot Springs. Located in the town of Banff, these hot springs were discovered in 1884 and continue to draw visitors with their year-round temperatures between 98 and 104 degrees. Minerals such as bicarbonate, which may assist in opening peripheral blood vessels and improve circulation to the body’s extremities, can be found in the waters.9601280

With the spectacular Canadian Rockies just beyond, settle into the soothing waters of Banff Upper Hot Springs. Located in the town of Banff, these hot springs were discovered in 1884 and continue to draw visitors with their year-round temperatures between 98 and 104 degrees. Minerals such as bicarbonate, which may assist in opening peripheral blood vessels and improve circulation to the body’s extremities, can be found in the waters.

banff lake louise, flickr

Pamukkale

Pamukkale

For thousands of years, people have bathed in the hot springs of Pamukkale, located 12 miles north of the city of Denizli in southwestern Turkey. The hot springs, 17 in all, are saturated with calcium. When the calcium cools on the hillside, it forms a white limestone known as travertine. This explains the name of the hot springs -- literally translated as “cotton castle.” 9601280

For thousands of years, people have bathed in the hot springs of Pamukkale, located 12 miles north of the city of Denizli in southwestern Turkey. The hot springs, 17 in all, are saturated with calcium. When the calcium cools on the hillside, it forms a white limestone known as travertine. This explains the name of the hot springs -- literally translated as “cotton castle.”

Esther Lee, flickr

Big Bend Hot Springs

Big Bend Hot Springs

After a long day of hiking through Big Bend National Park, consider a dip in these hot springs -- 105 degrees bubbling up from a hole in the ground. The water carries dissolved mineral salts that some say have healing powers. Just make sure you limit the exposure of little kids to these warm waters -- they can feel super-hot in summer! 9601280

After a long day of hiking through Big Bend National Park, consider a dip in these hot springs -- 105 degrees bubbling up from a hole in the ground. The water carries dissolved mineral salts that some say have healing powers. Just make sure you limit the exposure of little kids to these warm waters -- they can feel super-hot in summer!

iStock

Arenal Hot Springs

Arenal Hot Springs

Until 2010, Arenal in Costa Rica was one of the 10 most active volcanoes in the world. Arenal has been calming down, leaving room for travelers to kick back in area hot springs, heated by an underground geothermal river. 9601280

Until 2010, Arenal in Costa Rica was one of the 10 most active volcanoes in the world. Arenal has been calming down, leaving room for travelers to kick back in area hot springs, heated by an underground geothermal river.

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Lava Hot Springs

Lava Hot Springs

Who says Idaho is all about potatoes? The small, sleepy town of Lava Hot Springs (population: 407) is noted for its many hot springs, suitable for bathing as well as a bumpy inner tube run through part of town. The waters range from 102 to 112 degrees.9601280

Who says Idaho is all about potatoes? The small, sleepy town of Lava Hot Springs (population: 407) is noted for its many hot springs, suitable for bathing as well as a bumpy inner tube run through part of town. The waters range from 102 to 112 degrees.

Lava Hot Springs

Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon

This outdoor geothermal spa owes its steamy waters to a lava field in the fishing town of Grindavik on Iceland’s southwestern coast. The waters are rich in minerals such as silica and sulfur, and is said to help people suffering from skin conditions like psoriasis. 9601280

This outdoor geothermal spa owes its steamy waters to a lava field in the fishing town of Grindavik on Iceland’s southwestern coast. The waters are rich in minerals such as silica and sulfur, and is said to help people suffering from skin conditions like psoriasis.

Reuters

Ma'In Hot Springs

Ma'In Hot Springs

Mix a journey back into ancient times with a relaxing reprieve in the Middle East. Situated 866 feet below sea level, this hot freshwater mineral spring and waterfall offers a refreshing spa experience. The hot springs are located on the edge of Wadi Mujib, a gorge in Jordan that feeds the Dead Sea; nearby attractions include the Tomb of Moses (Nabi Musa) and the city of Petra (about 3 hours by car).9601280

Mix a journey back into ancient times with a relaxing reprieve in the Middle East. Situated 866 feet below sea level, this hot freshwater mineral spring and waterfall offers a refreshing spa experience. The hot springs are located on the edge of Wadi Mujib, a gorge in Jordan that feeds the Dead Sea; nearby attractions include the Tomb of Moses (Nabi Musa) and the city of Petra (about 3 hours by car).

Getty Images

Grutas de Tolantongo, Mexico

Grutas de Tolantongo, Mexico

About 125 miles from Mexico City is a small canyon with steep walls called Tolantongo. Near the bottom of the steep box canyon are heated pools, as well as warm waterfalls that flow down the steep canyon walls. 9601280

About 125 miles from Mexico City is a small canyon with steep walls called Tolantongo. Near the bottom of the steep box canyon are heated pools, as well as warm waterfalls that flow down the steep canyon walls.

Carlos Adampol Galindo, flickr

Yangbajing, Tibet

Yangbajing, Tibet

Welcome to the highest altitude hot springs in the world. Set at an altitude of 14,764 feet above sea level, these hot springs are located about 54 miles northwest of Tibet’s capital city of Lhasa. While taking a dip, visitors can view the far-off snow-covered Nyainqen Tanggula mountain range.9601280

Welcome to the highest altitude hot springs in the world. Set at an altitude of 14,764 feet above sea level, these hot springs are located about 54 miles northwest of Tibet’s capital city of Lhasa. While taking a dip, visitors can view the far-off snow-covered Nyainqen Tanggula mountain range.

Rishikesh, India

"Located at the foothills of the great Himalayas and the banks of the holy river Ganges, Rishikesh is an ideal place for a spiritual retreat. The city has attracted a lot of spiritual leaders to establish ashrams and yoga schools, providing tourists and pilgrims a nourishing atmosphere to revitalize their mind, body and spirit." — Yogi Kanna, author of Nirvana: Absolute Freedom9601280

"Located at the foothills of the great Himalayas and the banks of the holy river Ganges, Rishikesh is an ideal place for a spiritual retreat. The city has attracted a lot of spiritual leaders to establish ashrams and yoga schools, providing tourists and pilgrims a nourishing atmosphere to revitalize their mind, body and spirit." — Yogi Kanna, author of Nirvana: Absolute Freedom

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Chartres Cathedral, France

Chartres Cathedral, France

"When I was here in 1987, an old Frenchman who reminded me of Grandfather Charlemagne took me by the hand and led me to the labyrinth in the center of the apse and showed me how to walk it." — Phil Cousineau, author of The Art of Pilgrimage9601280

"When I was here in 1987, an old Frenchman who reminded me of Grandfather Charlemagne took me by the hand and led me to the labyrinth in the center of the apse and showed me how to walk it." — Phil Cousineau, author of The Art of Pilgrimage

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Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

"I made my pilgrimage here in 1996 in honor of my father, who gave me a book about the magnificent site when I was a boy. When I finally made the journey in his honor, the first person I met was a Buddhist nun whose hands had been cut off by the Khmer Rouge. She offered to pray for me." — Phil Cousineau9601280

"I made my pilgrimage here in 1996 in honor of my father, who gave me a book about the magnificent site when I was a boy. When I finally made the journey in his honor, the first person I met was a Buddhist nun whose hands had been cut off by the Khmer Rouge. She offered to pray for me." — Phil Cousineau

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Negev, Israel

Negev, Israel

"Deserts often numb me, but the Negev numbs me in a particular way. As a Jew, I view it as a powerful reminder of and metaphor for my history, my ancestors' journey, our collective isolation and pain, our fortitude and courage." — Niles Goldstein, author of God at the Edge9601280

"Deserts often numb me, but the Negev numbs me in a particular way. As a Jew, I view it as a powerful reminder of and metaphor for my history, my ancestors' journey, our collective isolation and pain, our fortitude and courage." — Niles Goldstein, author of God at the Edge

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Mount Shasta, California

Mount Shasta, California

"Believed by many to be a spiritual power point, Mount Shasta has the power to rejuvenate, revitalize, heal and inspire those who visit her. Standing at a spectacular 10,000 feet, she has power, grace and beauty that are especially palpable in summer, when the sun brings out the best in her." — Yogi Kanna9601280

"Believed by many to be a spiritual power point, Mount Shasta has the power to rejuvenate, revitalize, heal and inspire those who visit her. Standing at a spectacular 10,000 feet, she has power, grace and beauty that are especially palpable in summer, when the sun brings out the best in her." — Yogi Kanna

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The Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey

The Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey

"A place where your prayers rise to heaven — made a little easier, it is said, by the 6 minarets that poke holes in the sky so your words reach God." — Phil Cousineau9601280

"A place where your prayers rise to heaven — made a little easier, it is said, by the 6 minarets that poke holes in the sky so your words reach God." — Phil Cousineau

Mikael Damkier

Newgrange, Ireland

Newgrange, Ireland

"The oldest megalithic site in Europe, at least 1,000 years older than the Giza Pyramids, and an example of the old Celtic belief in the rebirth of their heroes. To venture inside is to have your spirit rekindled, whatever your faith." — Phil Cousineau9601280

"The oldest megalithic site in Europe, at least 1,000 years older than the Giza Pyramids, and an example of the old Celtic belief in the rebirth of their heroes. To venture inside is to have your spirit rekindled, whatever your faith." — Phil Cousineau

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Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska

"To witness the raw juxtaposition of blinding white pack ice to the north and lush mountains, tundra and wildlife to the south — of death and life — was mind-blowing. And to see how both ecosystems, separated by so little physical space, were so symbiotically linked — all of it made me feel a sense of interconnectedness that I can only describe as spiritual." — Niles Goldstein9601280

"To witness the raw juxtaposition of blinding white pack ice to the north and lush mountains, tundra and wildlife to the south — of death and life — was mind-blowing. And to see how both ecosystems, separated by so little physical space, were so symbiotically linked — all of it made me feel a sense of interconnectedness that I can only describe as spiritual." — Niles Goldstein

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Sedona

Sedona

"I've never been to Sedona (it's on my list!), but it is regarded as a 'thin place,' where the veil between spirit and flesh, life and death, is believed to be more permeable. There are 'energy vortexes' where visitors say they can feel spiritual energy more fully. Even people who don't buy into that idea ... are still impressed by the gorgeousness of the red rocks and the landscape.” — Jana Riess, author of Flunking Sainthood9601280

"I've never been to Sedona (it's on my list!), but it is regarded as a 'thin place,' where the veil between spirit and flesh, life and death, is believed to be more permeable. There are 'energy vortexes' where visitors say they can feel spiritual energy more fully. Even people who don't buy into that idea ... are still impressed by the gorgeousness of the red rocks and the landscape.” — Jana Riess, author of Flunking Sainthood

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Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, Berkshires, MA

Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, Berkshires, MA

"Kripalu offers yoga retreats for all skill levels but also functions as something akin to a spa. It has some of the best yoga teachers in the world and also offers related seminars on health and wellness." — Jana Riess9601280

"Kripalu offers yoga retreats for all skill levels but also functions as something akin to a spa. It has some of the best yoga teachers in the world and also offers related seminars on health and wellness." — Jana Riess

Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health

Tiruvannamalai, India

Tiruvannamalai, India

"Home to the sacred Mount Arunachala and Sri Ramanasramam, Tiruvannamalai is my favorite of all sacred sites. Believed by many sages to be the physical manifestation of the male aspect of the divine, Mount Arunachala has a wonderful transformative effect on those who tune into his energy. Thousands of pilgrims circumambulate around the holy mountain and visit the Arunachaleshwara temple during the full moon every month." — Yogi Kanna9601280

"Home to the sacred Mount Arunachala and Sri Ramanasramam, Tiruvannamalai is my favorite of all sacred sites. Believed by many sages to be the physical manifestation of the male aspect of the divine, Mount Arunachala has a wonderful transformative effect on those who tune into his energy. Thousands of pilgrims circumambulate around the holy mountain and visit the Arunachaleshwara temple during the full moon every month." — Yogi Kanna

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Northwestern Mongolia

Northwestern Mongolia

"I had never seen such spectacular expanses of mountains and steppes or met such hospitable people in my life. The culture of the nomad was a culture of hospitality, trust and even a strange sort of love. Other than animals, there was very little to see in the way of actual possessions. But a palpable abundance of spirit permeated everything." — Niles Goldstein9601280

"I had never seen such spectacular expanses of mountains and steppes or met such hospitable people in my life. The culture of the nomad was a culture of hospitality, trust and even a strange sort of love. Other than animals, there was very little to see in the way of actual possessions. But a palpable abundance of spirit permeated everything." — Niles Goldstein

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San Juan Capistrano, California

San Juan Capistrano, California

"Aside from its historical significance as one of the oldest Spanish missions in California, this is a beautiful place to visit. It's one of my favorite places in the American West. Be sure to listen to the 'Voices of the Mission' audio tour, which explains the history of Spanish colonization. The chapel is particularly beautiful and peaceful, and Catholic visitors might wish to catch an early-morning daily Mass here." — Jana Riess9601280

"Aside from its historical significance as one of the oldest Spanish missions in California, this is a beautiful place to visit. It's one of my favorite places in the American West. Be sure to listen to the 'Voices of the Mission' audio tour, which explains the history of Spanish colonization. The chapel is particularly beautiful and peaceful, and Catholic visitors might wish to catch an early-morning daily Mass here." — Jana Riess

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Canyon de Chelly, Arizona

Canyon de Chelly, Arizona

"I shot a documentary here in 1993 and was stunned to hear that the Navajo and Hopi had been making sacred journeys here for about 1,000 years. The stillness stays with me to this day." — Phil Cousineau9601280

"I shot a documentary here in 1993 and was stunned to hear that the Navajo and Hopi had been making sacred journeys here for about 1,000 years. The stillness stays with me to this day." — Phil Cousineau

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Daintree National Park, Australia

Daintree National Park, Australia

"I felt as if I had gone back in time to some prehistoric era. The rain forest and reef met on the beach where I stood, and the coral sea I had gone diving in the day before was lapping against the shore, feeding the wilderness. It was a riot of green, blue, white and yellow. I could have died there and never felt so alive." — Niles Goldstein9601280

"I felt as if I had gone back in time to some prehistoric era. The rain forest and reef met on the beach where I stood, and the coral sea I had gone diving in the day before was lapping against the shore, feeding the wilderness. It was a riot of green, blue, white and yellow. I could have died there and never felt so alive." — Niles Goldstein

Jochen Schlenker

The Community of Jesus, Orleans, MA

The Community of Jesus, Orleans, MA

"This ecumenical, monastic community is a wonderful place to go on retreat; visitors can soak up not only the natural beauty of Cape Cod, but also the community's world-class choir and band. Its new basilica is resplendent, with visual arts such as fresco, mosaic and stonemasonry. It's amazing how the brothers and sisters care for visitors with first-class dining and attention to detail." — Jana Riess9601280

"This ecumenical, monastic community is a wonderful place to go on retreat; visitors can soak up not only the natural beauty of Cape Cod, but also the community's world-class choir and band. Its new basilica is resplendent, with visual arts such as fresco, mosaic and stonemasonry. It's amazing how the brothers and sisters care for visitors with first-class dining and attention to detail." — Jana Riess